Amazon’s Kindle software is to be updated to include password protection and
Kindle controls, the retailer has announced.

The new version of the software, number 4.1.0, addresses long-standing concerns from parents that children are able to buy and read inappropriate books via the Kindle store, and to access the basic web browser built in to the monochrome device.

The free update, which is available only for the Kindle, rather than the Keyboard or Touch models, will also add what Amazon describes as an “improved reading font that is higher contrast and crisper so that you can enjoy a paper-like reading experience”.

It will be delivered automatically over WiFi, although users will also be able to download it manually and transfer it via USB.

Other improvements include, according to Amazon support for books with complex layouts and formats with Kindle Format 8, as well as support for children's books with Kindle Text Pop-Up and comic books with Kindle Panel View. The latter allows users to read a comic book panel by panel, and books that support these features will be available in the Kindle store over the coming weeks.

The update will also change how some titles are displayed, so that dictionaries will be grouped into a collection in Home and Archived Items called "Dictionaries" for better organization. Improved panning and zooming for tables and pictures will additionally be updated.